Rock News

Ozzy again questions Bill Ward's ability to rejoin Black Sabbath

Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne says it might be a good thing original drummer Bill Ward isn't on the band's current tour.

The singer tells "The New York Daily News" that he's not sure Ward "could have done the gig," because a drummer "has to be in shape" and Bill is "incredibly overweight." Ozzy adds that his 65-year-old estranged bandmate has previously suffered two heart attacks, and he doesn't want to "be responsible for his life."

However, Ozzy admits he still wants Bill back in the band, because it's "not the same" without him.

Ozzy expressed similar concerns to "Mojo" magazine back in the spring, explaining that during an early rehearsal for their latest reunion Bill was "out of condition" and couldn't remember the songs.

Ward says a contract dispute is keeping him from rejoining the group.

Black Sabbath is currently on a North American tour in support of their new album, 13. The group recorded the album with Rage Against The Machine drummer Brad Wilk while Tommy Clufetos, the drummer in Ozzy's solo band, is on Sabbath's tour.